ISHS Acta Horticulturae 31: Symposium on Potplants
PREFACE |
| Author: | J.G. van Onsem |
| Abstract:
This "International Symposium on pot plants" was organized under the auspices of the "Section for Ornamental Plants" of the International Society for Horticultural Science at the Research Station for Floriculture in The Netherlands, Aalsmeer, from the 1st till the 5th November 1971, as a result of the acceptance by the Council of the proposal of this Section in its session during the XVIIth International Horticultural Congress, Maryland, U. S. A. 1966. This report assembles all the papers presented at these most successful scientific meetings, where highly specialized subjects were dealt with in six sections covering a number of very up-to-date problems in the field of pot plant culture. It is hardly necessary to emphasize the increasing importance of pot plants and ornamentals in general, in modern society, as a means of counter-balancing a way of living that is frequently too technocratic. More and more - and this is a happy fact - the man in the street is becoming aware of problems in connection with the environment in which ornamentals will, in future, play a prominent part. It is most praiseworthy of the organizers to have contributed to this, although on a scientific level. But again, despite the highly scientific level of the 25 lectures more than 25 in all, which were attended in person by about 55 specialists from 11 countries, the human relations have been of the utmost importance. By means of careful preparation and providing the ideal conditions for fruitful discussions and talks, our Dutch colleagues and friends succeeded in creating a hearty and unconstrained atmosphere of friendship and mutual respect, a fact that was greatly appreciated by all participants. It is for me a pleasant task to extend my most cordial thanks to all those who contributed to the success of this symposium. I have in mind the Section-presidents and all those who prepared papers, the participating scientists and, last but not least, the Organization Committee, to which I should like to pay a well deserved tribute. "That has whetted our appetites for more!" | |
